2023 Lexus UX 250h SUV

　　

2023 Lexus UX 250h Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　If you're looking for a new Lexus on a tight budget, the 2023 UX 250h is the vehicle for you. With a base price well under $40,000 and up to an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in combined driving, this small hybrid-powered crossover SUV doesn't cost much to buy or drive. Plus, the UX 250h offers all the style and amenities you expect in an entry-level Lexus combined with the added utility of a rear liftgate and a folding back seat.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus UX 250h 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$91/mo  for UX 250h Base

　　UX 250h Base

　　4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $35,340 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $36,740 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,800 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $39,200 MSRPF SPORT Design 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,800 MSRPF SPORT Design 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $39,200 MSRPF SPORT Handling 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $42,770 MSRPF SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $44,170 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Previously, Lexus offered an even more affordable UX 200 version of this vehicle, but the company has dropped that model. That change makes the 2023 Lexus UX 250h the automaker's most affordable vehicle. In addition, the 2023 UX 250h adds a new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display and an enhanced Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 collection of driver assist features.

　　Compared to other small luxury SUVs, the UX 250h is less accommodating of passengers and cargo. However, it is the only hybrid in the segment, so if you don't mind its tiny size and want its impressive gas mileage, you'll want to learn more about this Lexus. Check out our zzdcar Expert Rating for all the details.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the UX 250h drive? The UX 250h is smooth around town, but it's also very slow, especially for a luxury vehicle. In our testing, accelerating to 60 mph took a leisurely 10 seconds. The vehicle's steering is nicely weighted, and the UX has some of the fun responsiveness found in the Toyota Corolla (to which it's related), but the added height and weight make for pronounced body roll through corners.

　　Overall, the hybrid UX is most comfortable with city driving, where the engine can stay in its acceptably torquey midrange, and there's no call for real handling prowess. Unfortunately, the brakes aren't easy to control to get the amount of stopping power you want and can feel jerky at low speeds.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the UX 250h? The UX 250h is a comfortable vehicle, but it doesn't quite offer what we'd expect for the money. The seats are a strong point, with soft leather and padding that proves supportive even on longer drives. Although there's little wind noise and no engine noise while cruising, the engine kicks up an unpleasant racket when you ask for power. You're also exposed to traffic noise and intrusive pinging from the tires over rough pavement. The suspension smooths out bumps, but the run-flat tires make for a busier ride than we'd like.

　　With some controls hidden in infotainment menus, the climate control system is best left in its capable auto mode. Some vents are unfortunately close to the driver's hands and can be loud even at partial power.

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